Classified Records was an independent record label based in San Francisco, CA that released music from recording artists Jocelyn Enriquez, Pinay, Julie Plug, M:G, Drop n Harmony, as well as the Serenade compilation series. The label was founded by Kormann Roque, Elvin Reyes, and Rino Que in 1993. Classified Records was well known within the Filipino community since many staff members and recording artists were of Filipino descent.
The first release was the debut album by Jocelyn Enriquez, who became popular with her hit records, "I've Been Thinking About You", "Do You Miss Me" and "A Lil' Bit of Ecstasy", produced by Glenn Gutierrez. The label's other notable singles included "Is It Real" by Pinay along with "Sweet Honesty" and "What Do You Remember" by M:G - all of which, including releases from Jocelyn Enriquez charted on Billboard.
After a brief joint venture with Tommy Boy Records, the original Classified Records closed its doors in 2001, with a few Classified staff members starting their own indie labels. Producer/songwriters JP Nebres, Matt Villacarte and Glenn Gutierrez partnered to form Planet Hype, releasing music by singer/songwriter Sharyn Maceren, Pinay, Ace High (a hip-hop trio that included an up-and-coming Traxamillion) and Drop 'N Harmony (DnH). Planet Hype also provides mixing, mastering and production services as well as serving as a digital distribution solution for a number of independent artists including former American Idol contestants Todrick Hall, Charity Vance and Sway Penala. Former Classified Records exec Reno Ursal also started his own label Rhythm Drive Records, releasing music by artists Malyssa and Alvendia.
In 2006, with the intent of putting the San Diego local music scene on the map, CJ Harris purchased the license to the name "Classified Records." The new incarnation of Classified Records is based in San Diego, CA with CJ Harris as its CEO. Since starting the label, Harris has partnered with William Banks, former manager of Hip-Hop group "Different Breed," and collaborated with "Syndicate Music Collective" to build a network and community of San Diego musicians. Together, they formed the "Minds of Nine". The "Minds of Nine" have hosted musicians at the Onyx Room, in Downtown. Weekly open mics are held on the studio patio, adjacent to the studio. A compilation album, introducing the artists is due in mid-December.
Artists: Crisstyle, Mac Chi, Tiah!, B Martini, Ironic, Posted, Grizzo, Truth, The Futuristic Moguls, and Stella Donna, Justice.
Managers: Banks, Nate Moulder
Producers: C.J. Harris, DaVinci, Delvees, DJ Marcu, RevelaShaun 6:8,